In the days before air conditioning, a cold cocktail was the quickest way to cool down -- short of dunking your head in a bucket of ice water. Even though we have technology on our side now, these refreshing drinks remain the best remedy for long, hot summer afternoons when the only thing that will do is the mingling of citrus, sugar, soda, and spirit.

Kiwi Mai Tai!Everything about this drink is tropical. The pineapple is sweet, the kiwi is tart, and the rum just brings it all together. Recipe here!

Key ingredients:

Rum

Pineapple

Kiwi

Peño Blast!This light bourbon cocktail was made with barbecue on the brain. Think of it as a spicy watermelon cooler with a hint of lemonade and mint that goes great with ribs. Get it here.